Safaricom warns subscribers on unauthorized promotions following arrest of suspected fraudsters

Wednesday, April 14, 2011…Integrated telecoms operator Safaricom has warned its subscribers to be wary of the activities of unauthorized agents purporting to carry out promotions on behalf of the company.

This follows the arrest on Wednesday of two individuals in Westlands who claimed they were carrying out a promotion called "Bambua" on behalf of Safaricom. Targeting malls and other high-density areas, participants who had to be Safaricom subscribers, were being asked to scratch a card which could reveal a number of prizes, among them fake anti-radiation units for handsets and "Safaricom" T-Shirts. The giveaway, which led certain "winners" to complain to Safaricom was the fact that they were being asked to pay Sh300 before they could participate or claim their prizes.

Police, acting on complaints by the public, arrested the two suspects and took them to Parklands Police station. The two, Elijah Mburu Gichumi and Lenah Wairimu appeared at the High Court today charged with gaming in a public place. Investigations are ongoing and more charges are likely to be preferred. The suspects turned out to be employees of a company called Bambua Limited, which has been retained to carry out promotions for a rival telecoms operator.

"We advise our subscribers to be extra careful. It is clear that whoever is behind this is not just after ill-gotten money, but is certainly hell-bent on tarnishing the name of our brand in the process. We are keen to get to the bottom of this and thank the Police for their quick action," said Safaricom's Director of Corporate Affairs Nzioka Waita.

He stressed that all Safaricom promotions are normally announced publicly and the company does not ask winners for payment as a condition before they can participate or claim their prizes

Wednesday, April 14, 2011…Integrated telecoms operator Safaricom has warned its subscribers to be wary of the activities of unauthorized agents purporting to carry out promotions on behalf of the company.

This follows the arrest on Wednesday of two individuals in Westlands who claimed they were carrying out a promotion called "Bambua" on behalf of Safaricom. Targeting malls and other high-density areas, participants who had to be Safaricom subscribers, were being asked to scratch a card which could reveal a number of prizes, among them fake anti-radiation units for handsets and "Safaricom" T-Shirts. The giveaway, which led certain "winners" to complain to Safaricom was the fact that they were being asked to pay Sh300 before they could participate or claim their prizes.

Police, acting on complaints by the public, arrested the two suspects and took them to Parklands Police station. The two, Elijah Mburu Gichumi and Lenah Wairimu appeared at the High Court today charged with gaming in a public place. Investigations are ongoing and more charges are likely to be preferred. The suspects turned out to be employees of a company called Bambua Limited, which has been retained to carry out promotions for a rival telecoms operator.

"We advise our subscribers to be extra careful. It is clear that whoever is behind this is not just after ill-gotten money, but is certainly hell-bent on tarnishing the name of our brand in the process. We are keen to get to the bottom of this and thank the Police for their quick action," said Safaricom's Director of Corporate Affairs Nzioka Waita.

He stressed that all Safaricom promotions are normally announced publicly and the company does not ask winners for payment as a condition before they can participate or claim their prizes